mercurial
3 antonyms for mercurial — opposites grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.
“His mercurial temper made him difficult to work for.”
Opposites
Antonyms
How to use mercurial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
mercurial temperament
mercurial talent
mercurial genius
Slightly literary; common in journalism, sports writing and profiles.
Etymology
From Latin mercurialis 'of Mercury', the Roman god of commerce and messages, whose swiftness gave the word its sense of quickness and changeability.
Full origin of mercurial →Frequently asked questions
Is calling someone mercurial an insult?
It depends on context. Applied to a temper or a boss it means unpredictable and hard to handle; applied to a performer or a talent it can be admiring, suggesting brilliance and flair.
What is the difference between mercurial and moody?
Moody suggests spells of gloom or irritability. Mercurial is about the speed and unpredictability of the swings, in either direction, and often implies liveliness as well as instability.
Why does mercurial relate to the planet Mercury?
The word comes from the Roman god Mercury, the swift messenger, and the planet named after him. Astrological tradition held that people born under Mercury were quick, clever and changeable.
